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Sunday, November 22, 2015

#MadeOfGreat..my grandfather Dr.Balubhai Vashi

A tall lean man used to walk on
this very road, every day at 8:00 AM sharp, no matter what season, no matter
what his life situataion is. Not that anybody ever saw him fall sick or being disturbed or sad. Though, if his life story is looked at, anybody in his circumstances would be
melancholic conveniently for a very long time. But no disease or negativity
touched him for the 85 years he lived and even on the last day he carried out
his noble profession of curing the diseased as he had sworn to do so more than fifty
years ago while being awarded a doctor’s degree. He can be most humbly said to
be ‘made of great’, my grandfather Dr. Balubhai Vashi.

His childhood was simple his
father tried to support a family of four children from the mere earnings of his
small farm. The era was pre-independence and irrigation facilities and state of
farmers that hasn’t much improved yet. Balubhai though born in a poor family
with no money even to pay school fees, almost denied education, saved only by
his very bright mind and very strong intent, to rise above it all. He was
raised as a farmer’s son to be one, any day that he had a holiday, he was
supposed to help his father. His studies taking the last priority, yet not for
Balubhai who would manage it all, rising early in the morning much before the
world and studying by a kerosene lamp. He managed to finish high school in a
local village school and with some scholarship for the best marks entered his
dream place, a medical school. However, he was still a farmer and many a times
when it rained too much he had to get back to his place and help his father
remove it, to save the land. They couldn’t afford laborers. Yet he successfully
became a doctor.

India was going through turbulent
times then. Every man in a family harbored the same dream, of a free
independent nation. The fever of it all caught Balubhai, who marched on the
path led by Gandhi, that of Satyagraha. He embraced a Gandhian lifestyle, gave
up everything “videshi”, a practice that he continued till the last day of his
life in 2007. He would march with the satyagrahi, go for fasts and peacefully
protest, leaving everything aside for the nations freedom and the dream was
realized finally as he did one fine day on 15th August 1947 like
many Indians breathed the fresh air of independence.

Yet Gandhiji then had given out a
message of service to the society and what better than serving it through
curing people of diseases. Balubhai had found that both his love for medicine
and his mission for service lied on the same road, so he chose to settle down
in Umbergaon taluka, which was to say in a few words only a jungle then. The
people living had modest life with barely any development, not even
electricity. People of all classes lived here, but were majorly uneducated and
witchcraft was preferred over a doctor, hence no doctor ever landed up there.
Balubhai chose the road less travelled, for his destination shone like a
brilliant sun, distant yet powerful. He started practicing in the region and
educating people about how medicines could cure magic and save lives. The best
part that his patients miss today is that he never said “no” to anyone who
ailed, be it a child in the remotest corner of that jungle with a snake bite
and little hope. He would wander into the deep jungles, travel miles on foot
for that one patient and treat him, despite his parents resorting to witch
craft, as that he thought was the only way he could make people believe in his
medicine and science. Balubhai didn’t rest there, he believed that the area
could only develop if there were more like him and that could only happen if
there were atleast some basic facilities, he therefore struggled for years to
get electricity and that as he estimated begun the development of the area
where people would now prefer to live, schools would begin and industries
flourish giving many better employment and education, without having to leave
their natural surroundings.

Balubhai Vashi was a good doctor
but a great human being whom life challenged as if to test his will power and
patience, as if to break him at each point. Marriages happened traditionally
with parents choosing the bride and so he had no say, he a tall fair man with, colored
eyes was married to a short dark woman, full of grit. It wasn’t easy to be the
wife of a man who would not charge poor patients, and most of them were poor,
bringing back home, nothing. Sometimes he would even give away his lunch to the
poor diseased man who had travelled from far for free medicine who couldn’t
even afford a meal. It was only when he sat down to eat at the end of a tiring
day that he would realize he hadn’t eaten. Love then was very different from
what we see now and expressed differently. Balubhai however found out that his
wife could play the harmonium (which was considered derogatory then, as only
people from lower class of society played music) and gifted her on eon their
fourth anniversary. However life mocked him again when his wife was detected
with leukemia soon after. The only cure was blood transfusion regularly and a
severe hospitalization and chemotherapy. Balubhai was advised by all his
relatives to leave her and marry again, for he was young and there were four
children to look after, plus he was already famous as a great doctor. He just didn’t
pay heed to them but turn a machine that was focused on providing for his
children and ensuring his wife gets the best medical care. He barely slept for
a few hours and went about his duties with a smile. He did lose his wife to
cancer but fought for 10 years, a feat that doctors at Tata Memorial Hospital,
Mumbai, thought beyond reach. He then lived like an ascetic ensuring good life
for his children and serving people even on the last day of his life.

The best part about Balubhai was
not that he managed to be the best doctor this part of Guarat has seen despite being a poor farmers son. Not because served his wife, wore khadi all his life or fought for independence.
Not even that he brought medicine over blind-beliefs to people and educated
them, not that he settled in a jungle and went to visit patients at all hours
in the deepest corners. It was because he smiled and faced life's most ugly cruel practical jokes. He armed with grit and determination fought, didn’t
brood, sulk like most of us today over small matters, he faced it with a smile.
When his wife died and his closest relative sensing his suffering said “Why is
it you that God always tests, when you only work to serve?”,Balubhai simply
responded “God gives it to those who he thinks can take it afterall.” Belonging
to an era where we see very young people getting depressed over mere breakups
or committing suicide for not scoring in an exam, I think my grandfather
Balubhai Vashi’s life is a live example of what one can accomplish by standing
up to it with grit. He is “made of great” and continues to live as
an inspiration within me.

Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contestHere is my answerThe association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motorsaaloke19@gmail.com

Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contestHere is my answerThe association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motorsaaloke19@gmail.com

The story of a Legend in himself – that’s how I will describe it in a short sentence. Very well written with words which enhance the simplicity yet greatness of the person. Salutations and very happy for you to have got inspired and bringing out your best in life.

My answer: Tata is a name which any and every person can rely on for its honesty, commitment and perseverance. Lionel Messi is a legend who has carved his name in history books with total dedication to the game, simple living and improvisation which is seen with each game he plays. The association of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi as their Brand Ambassador will definitely give an edge to the Tata group over its competitors solely because the brand Ambassador also holds the same reputation of not letting his fans down ever, like Tata Motors who have given the best to the world over the decades. Its an exemplary association par excellence.

You can choose my answer as the Voucher winning comment if you feel I described it all well.. :) Please remember to post it on the Indiblogger contest page today.

Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contestMy answer is:Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.comfingers crossed

Your post defines #madeofgreat in a awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.My AnswerTata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.bhuwan198grover@gmail.com

Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.Here is my answer.Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legendsIn case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.comFingers crossed :)

Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreatTATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motorsyagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com

Balubhai Vashi has lived a rich life! He has inspired people right from his childhood to adulthood! Thanks for sharing his story here :)My short and simple answer: Tata is known for its good work for the society and Messi has inspired millions across the world - hence truly an association scripted in heaven! :) I feel that they are #madeofgreat together and individually - excited about the potential of this partnership!